Skywriting: Pete Seeger was a friend to all

You never really know who your neighbors are. Everyone has their own story and life, and sometimes the most unassuming people are some of the most accomplished and amazing souls you'll meet.

Skywalker

You never really know who your neighbors are. Everyone has their own story and life, and sometimes the most unassuming people are some of the most accomplished and amazing souls you'll meet.

Enter Peter Seeger.

I admit that I am 100 percent in a One Direction/Justin Bieber world. I mean pop culture is first and foremost on my mind, but it doesn't mean I am unaware of the artists of the past, their contributions to music as a whole and the effects they have today. This week folk singer, legend, Grammy winner and Beacon resident Pete Seeger passed away at the age of 94. His music addressed civil rights, environmentalism and various global issues. He continued his work until the end and was a local favorite among town.

I would see Pete occasionally at the radio station for various interviews and recordings. I remember walking into the mailroom in the office where a huge bin of letters was sitting. I glanced at the envelopes, which were all addressed to Pete Seeger. The post office had mistakenly brought the bin to the radio station and we were awaiting pickup so they could get to their rightful owner. Over 90 years old and he still was receiving “fan mail” by the boxes.

Pete and I only exchanged pleasantries and never had a long conversation of substance, but there was a kindness in his eyes that could not go unnoticed. A few of my co-workers and fellow Beaconites recounted their Seeger moments.

Co-workers Allison Mitchell and Kat Suda, who were working at the radio station during one of Pete's visits, remember a rare moment. Kat had just moved to New York from West Virginia to work at the radio station and was not in a happy place at that time. She really missed West Virginia, and when Pete was there, requested a photo with him. He asked Kat her name and where she was from ... and then played "John Henry" to remind her of home.

It is a moment “I will never forget.” Suda recalled. “I have told the story over and over."

Local resident Michael Vierra posted on his Facebook page today the following entry:

"I moved to Beacon 8+ years ago. When I finally got a residence on Main Street I used to enjoy having myself a short espresso and a smoke on the bench outside my house early in the morning. Occasionally I would speak with an elderly man; we crossed paths frequently but had never exchanged names. We would have conversations about anything and everything.

"One day we had just finished talking and somebody stopped me and asked me how I knew Pete Seeger. I was baffled at first, then realized I had been speaking with him in passing for years.

"That was the type of gentleman he was: no matter all of his accomplishments, accolades and achievements he was still a down-to-earth, humble guy.

"Today the world lost a good one. Rest in peace, Pete."

Pete defines for me what it means to stand for something you believe in and spread your message in a kind, peaceful and creative way. In a world of shock value, Seeger's approach to life, his community and music is an example to live by.